Certified Trade Missions Program Standard

Objective

The U.S. Commercial Service certifies and supports missions planned by industry associations, state economic development agencies, and the offices of governors, mayors, and Members of Congress. Certified Trade Missions (CTM) can provide an effective way for U.S. companies to explore business opportunities in overseas markets via these organizations. Commercial Service offices overseas offer a range of services to help ensure the success of each CTM.

Price

There is no charge for trade mission certification, but organizers must submit payment to cover services offered on a cost-recovery basis by overseas Commercial Service overseas offices hosting the mission.

Certified Trade Missions Overview

Offices, agencies, and organizations partnering in the CTM Program will receive:

advice by promotion experts on your mission objectives and/or plan before the proposal is forwarded to the relevant overseas office;

guidance on developing event budgets;

liaison with Commercial Service personnel at overseas locations;

liaison with market experts;

expeditious handling of request for mission certification; and

direct communication between mission organizer(s) and Commercial Service overseas offices to negotiate the level of support, budget, and logistics.

Quality Assurances

The U.S. Commercial Service assures that:

for congressional and governor-led Certified Trade Missions, a regional specialist will review mission proposals and initiate a regional liaison with the international overseas office.

Conditions of Participation

Cancellation:

Either the Department of Commerce or the Company/Participant may cancel this agreement by providing written notice to the other party. Cancellation shall be effective upon receipt of such notice. Upon cancellation, the Company/Participant will remain liable to the Department of Commerce for any cost incurred prior to cancellation and any reasonable charges resulting from cancellation (e.g., costs for terminating related contracts for services). If the Company/Participant prepaid for the services, the Department of Commerce will refund any excess amounts.

Legal Disclaimer:

The Department of Commerce makes every appropriate effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to Company/Participant. The information is not legal advice, but is intended to provide the Company/Participant with an additional resource for use in the exercise of its business judgment. When utilizing the information provided, Company/Participant is responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States and foreign countries. The Department of Commerce is not liable for the consequences of any business decisions made.

Safety and Security:

For products, services, and events that involve foreign travel by representatives of [Company/Participant], the Department of Commerce recommends that you check the Department of State Travel Information website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/.That website provides consular information, country background information, travel warnings, public announcements, and tips for traveling abroad.

For products, services, and events involving foreign travel by any representatives of [Company/Participant], [Company/Participant] acknowledges that such travel is undertaken at their own risk and agrees, including on behalf of its representatives, to release and hold harmless the Department of Commerce from liability for any illness, injury, loss of life, or damage or loss of property occasioned by such travel, except to the extent that the U.S. Government by statute has waived its sovereign immunity.

The U.S. Commercial Service guarantees all of our products and services. If you have any questions or concerns, we will work quickly and effectively to ensure that your satisfaction is our top priority. The U.S. Commercial Service Customer Care Hotline is available for you to call toll free Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST at 1-866-482-8111.